Symptoms

Identifying symptoms and how to deal with them1

It's normal to have some aches and pains during your pregnancy. But you don't always have to grin and bear it. There are ideas you can try to make things more comfortable. If you are concerned about any of these problems, contact your GP.

Minor problems

Backache

Hormones released during pregnancy will relax and stretch your ligaments in preparation for labour, and this puts extra strain on your back and hips.

Things to try

Massage

Back-strengthening exercises (ask a physiotherapist to show you)

Stop wearing high-heels

Sleep on a firm mattress

Take extra care when lifting any objects

Take care of your posture when sitting. Keep your neck and back in a straight line

In the latter stages of pregnancy, get as much rest as possible

Ask a physiotherapist for advice on taking the strain off your back

Constipation

Hormonal changes and your growing baby may slow everything down in your intestines, which can cause constipation

Cramps

When you get a cramp, rub the area firmly and flex the muscle to help relieve the pain

Faintness/dizziness

Because your uterus demands so much of your blood supply, it's common to feel dizzy

Things to try

Keep cool

Try not to stand for a long time

If you feel faint, lie down on your side

Don't get up too quickly from a seated position

Heartburn

Heartburn is the burning feeling in your chest caused by stomach acid flowing back up into your esophagus. You often get it when you lie down, or after eating certain foods, which can make it hard to sleep.

Things to try

Sleep propped up by lots of pillows

Drink a glass of milk a couple of hours before bed and don't eat anything afterwards

Avoid foods that make this happen and don't eat immediately before bedtime

Piles

Piles (or hemorrhoids) are swollen veins in or around your anus, which may be caused by the pressure of your baby

They can sometimes bleed a little and feel itchy or sore. This can make passing stools very uncomfortable

Swollen ankles, feet and fingers

Ankles, feet and fingers often swell a little in pregnancy because the body holds more water than usual. This happens more:

towards the end of the day

in hot weather

if you're standing a lot

Things to try

Avoid standing for long periods

Wear comfortable shoes

Put your feet up as much as you can. Try to rest for an hour a day with your feet higher than your heart

Try the foot exercises below:

Foot exercises to help swollen ankles

These can be done sitting or standing. They improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the ankles and prevent cramp in the calf muscles

Bend and stretch your foot vigorously up and down 30 times

Rotate your foot 8 times one way and 8 times the other way

Tiredness

It's common to feel very tired, particularly during the first months and later stages of pregnancy

Things to try

Eat and drink well

Rest as much as possible

Ask friends, family and colleagues to help out

Symptoms you should never ignore

If you experience any of these symptoms, or have any concerns, contact a healthcare professional urgently

Frequent fainting

Fever

Severe pain in your abdomen

Swelling in your face, hands and eyes

Visual disturbances

Severe headache

Sudden, unexplained weight gain

Vaginal bleeding

Severe vomiting

Painful urination

Sudden increase in thirst with little or no urination

No movement or reduced baby movements after week 22 (less than 10-12 movements per day)

Severe itching on your tummy, hands and soles of feet

A blow to, or fall on, your stomach

Pre-eclampsia

What is it?

A condition that occurs only during pregnancy or immediately after delivery

Women develop high blood pressure, together with protein in their urine (leaked from their kidneys) and fluid retention

Pre-eclampsia affects around 1 woman in 14

It usually occurs after week 20

It doesn't always need treatment. Regular check-ups may be enough

Around 1 woman in 100 with pre-eclampsia goes on to develop eclampsia. This is more common during the last 3 months of pregnancy and the first 48 hours after birth. Eclampsia is a type of seizure that can be life-threatening

If you suffer from pre-eclampsia, it's very important that you take a urine sample with you every time you attend an antenatal check up

Symptoms

There are no symptoms in the early stages of pre-eclampsia

Increased blood pressure can be an indicator, which is why it's important to make all your antenatal appointments

Proteinuria (the presence of an excess of protein in the urine), visual disturbances, headaches

Breastfeeding is best for babies. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
Wyeth Nutrition fully supports this and continued breastfeeding, along with the introduction of complementary food as advised by healthcare professionals.